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Robert Ray Obituary
AGE: 75 formerly of Spotswood
Robert "Bob" T. Ray, 75, of Marco Island, Fla., died Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born June 24, 1935 in Irvington to the late John and Helen Ray, he lived in Spotswood for 45 years before moving to Marco Island 12 years ago. In 1969, Mr. Ray opened Spotswood Carvel, which he owned and operated with his family for nearly 30 years. Previously, he was employed for the Newark Evening News for over 20 years. Mr. Ray was a proud member of the Marco Island Italian American Society and the Knights of Columbus of San Marco Catholic Church. He will be remembered for his humor, kindness and contributions to his community and church.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his two brothers, Jerry and Donald. Surviving is his wife of 55 years, Joan Neaves Ray; two sons, Kenny and his wife Jackie and Timothy and his wife Claudine; two daughters, Barbara Ray and her fiance Robert Roman and Cynthia McGuinness and her husband Mark; his brother, John; and nine grandchildren.
Visiting hours for family and friends will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18 and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Lester Memorial Home, 16 W. Church St., Jamesburg. Services will begin 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral liturgy at St. James R.C. Church, Jamesburg. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may be made to Vitas Hospice, Naples, FL or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. To get directions to the funeral home or to send condolences to the family visit www.LesterMemorialHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ray
Kathy & David Caruso
February 23, 2011
Joan...We were saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He fought his cancer battles with such courage and optimism. He will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him.
Maggi Miller
February 19, 2011
Dear Ray Family,
I feel very honored to have known Mr. Ray. I and my twin's, also known as the evil twins will never forget all the love attention and care he gave all of us. He was the dad and friend to everyone. Mr. Ray enriched all of the lives he touched. My heart breaks for all of the family. Remember if you miss him just look in the mirror, a part of him is in all of you. Mr. Ray made Sotswood and the world a better place. We may have lost a great man but God got the PERFECT ANGEL! Thank you for sharing him with me and my family. He will be missed by the Brady Family in Spotswood all of us. Our prayers are with the family. Please take care. All our love Maggie, Jim, Kate, Colleen (evil twins )
Miller
Maggie Miller
February 19, 2011
Dear Ray Family,
I feel very honored to have known Mr. Ray. I and my twin's, also known as the evil twins will never forget all the love attention and care he gave all of us. He was the dad and friend to everyone. Mr. Ray enriched all of the lives he touched. My heart breaks for all of the family. Remember if you miss him just look in the mirror, a part of him is in all of you. Mr. Ray made Sotswood and the world a better place. We may have lost a great man but God got the PERFECT ANGEL! Thank you for sharing him with me and my family. He will be missed by the Brady Family in Spotswood all of us. Our prayers are with the family. Please take care. All our love Maggie, Jim, Kate, Colleen (evil twins )
Miller
Richard Rudel
February 18, 2011
Mrs. Ray, Kenny, Barb, Cindy and Tim,
My deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Ray. I can speak for Janet, Lynn, Arlene and Diane in saying that he was definitely a positive influence on the Rudel family as our neighbor on Michael Road.
Rich Rudel
February 18, 2011
Dear Joan,
We were saddened to hear of Bobby's long illness & now his passing. We have fond memories from long ago in Irvington -- St. Leo's, Yale Ave., the Jets. So glad to have seen you both at our 50th IHS reunion. Our deepest sympathies to your children & also to Jack.
"Those with the deepest sorrow, have the fondest memories."
In sympathy & friendship,
Allan & Lil Adams
Brick NJ & Stuart FL
February 18, 2011
Mrs. Ray, Kenny, Barbara, Cindy, Timmy & Families,
May his life be honored by all he loved. His memory be cherised for all he gave. May your hearts be comforted by all you shared. Peace be with you.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Rubye, Bridgette, Bob
The Betler Family
Ken Pasterczyk
February 17, 2011
Mrs Ray,
I am truly fortunate that you and Mr Ray have given me strong memories and a fundamental understanding of what good is all about. It has lasted for 50 years...and will forever.
The Marple Family
February 17, 2011
Dear Joan, Mark, Cindy, Michelle, Mark and Lauren: We are thankful and blessed that our family had an opportunity to meet and share some time with Bob. Jimmy so enjoyed his times with Bob in Marco Island. We pray that Bob's humor and goodness with fill you with peace and healing at this time. It has been said that, "When you are born, the world is smiling and you are crying. Live your life so that when you go to heaven, the world is crying and you are smiling". Bob did just that. Heaven gained an angel. With Our Love and Deepest Sympathy, The Marple Family (Waneta, Christina, Jimmy, Tara and Noah)
Kelli & Bill Tamashunas
February 16, 2011
Dear Joan, Cindy & Family,
Although no words can really help to ease your loss, know that you are very close in our every thought and prayer. We count ourselves blessed to have have known Bob in the brief time we got to spend together and we'll always fondly remember your family parties while the kids were growing up together.
Sincerely,
Kelli & Bill
Carole Webb
February 16, 2011
Mrs. Ray and Family,
I was truly saddened to hear about Bob's passing. With all his struggles he was very upbeat and loved conversation. The love you shared was truly an amazing sight. I hope you find peace and comfort from your friends and family at this difficult time. When I make the mussels he loved to brag about, I will think of him fondly.
Sincerely, Carole Webb, Nurse at PRMC
February 16, 2011
Bob is a wonderful man and neighbor. I will miss him dearly. All my love to Joan and his family. Deborah Sieja
Juliet Gonnella
February 16, 2011
Aunt Joan & Family, No words can be written to ease the pain of Uncle Bob's passing. Draw on the love all around you to give you strength through the sadness. I'm grateful that I really got to know Uncle Bob in my teenage years and I cherish those memories of him. He could always put a smile on my face with a funny story or the humorous way he looked at different situations. He will be truly missed. He has left his mark in this world, and it's a good one! Our deepest sympathies. God Bless you, Uncle Bob! Love, Julie & Danny Gonnella
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